SHALIMAR, FL: The Air Force Research Lab, in conjunction with the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, has established a “Mathematical Modeling and Optimization Institute” at the University of Florida Research Engineering and Education Facility (REEF) in the Panhandle. The University of Florida is leading the effort, with input from Industrial and Systems Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Other universities will also participate in the effort.

According to the statement of objectives, the “Institute will provide a mechanism for promising graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and established university professors to work directly with (AFRL Munitions Directorate) basic and applied researchers. By partnering the basic researchers with the applied researchers early and throughout the weapons development process, we will apply a systems engineering approach to overcome the scientific challenges of future Air Force Systems.” It is expected that the Institute will be funded over the next five years.